Received world recognition

Tunnel reconstruction project. Stalin in Vladivostok received first place in the international competition organized annually by the World Tunnel Association (WTA).

Hilton Hotel, Miami (USA), award ceremony. Deputy General Director for Marketing and Foreign Economic Affairs Mikhail Belenkiy receives the main prize.

The results of the competition were announced on November 18 in Miami (USA). Companies from all over the world presented their work related to the development of underground space to the judgment of professional experts.

Our project for the reconstruction of the Vladivostok tunnel participated in the “Projects worth up to 50 million euros” category. He competed against 90 applicants. After the first absentee evaluation by the jury, only three participants reached the finals, who had to prepare a detailed presentation.

One of the oldest metro stations in London and the interchange complex of the Singapore metro competed with the Vladivostok tunnel for the right to become the best. All three projects were difficult to implement.

The second stage of the competition took place in the form of a conference. The jury and guests were shown presentations of all the contestants who reached the finals at the first stage. At the same time, secret voting took place.

The reconstruction of the tunnel in Vladivostok included a unique combination of old and new solutions and lining technologies that had not previously been used anywhere. This prompted 18 world experts to vote in our favor.

– It was very exciting. Until recently, no one knew the name of the winner. I was happy when I heard: “Russian Federation, Vladivostok tunnel.” “I felt satisfaction and great fatigue,” Mikhail Belenky, Deputy General Director of Mosmetrostroy JSC, shared his impressions.

Initially, the tunnel, built in 1935, had a military purpose. It was built in a hurry without a design, without observing the rules and regulations. Subsequently, it began to be used for the needs of the civilian population.

Over 82 years of operation, the tunnel has fallen into deplorable condition. The situation was especially aggravated in winter, when leaks formed ice and the required dimensions were violated. It seemed that the tunnel could no longer be saved.

The question arose about building a new one. But JSC Mosmetrostroy, together with JSC Russian Railways, decided to carry out reconstruction, breathing new life into the Vladivostok tunnel.

By the way, the MTA has been holding the competition for the fourth year in a row. The voting mechanism is similar to the television Oscars. The location of the ceremony changes every year. In 2020, the competition will be held in Australia.